For longtime Prospect Heights resident Jeff Beler, art is more than an image — it’s something that can transform a neighborhood.
Ten years ago, he founded Underhill Walls, the now-famous open-air gallery on Underhill Avenue. He has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, just a few blocks from the project.
The idea grew from a chance encounter with an abandoned building. After a laundromat caught fire 25 years ago, Beler approached its former owner in 2015.
“I saw all these green barricades going up all over the city. I thought it was an opportunity to get some public art there,” he told Brooklyn Paper.
With the property owner’s blessing, Beler teamed up with curator Frankie Velez and a group of artists to bring the walls to life. Their first installation featured a zodiac theme, and from that moment, the walls became a rotating canvas, refreshed every six months.
Beler said past Underhill Walls themes have included book covers, female icons, movies, music and more. On Oct. 18, murals will be painted in the original zodiac theme to mark the project’s 10th anniversary, complete with a block party.
The project quickly became a source of neighborhood pride.
“Some classes take them as a learning field trip,” Beler said. He described the peaceful feeling of “having a bad day, coming off the subway and it’s snowing or raining and you see these beautiful colors.”
“When you see the kids’ faces when they walk by every day, it’s like you’re giving them something that’s theirs,” he said.
Beler has also brought multiple generations into his projects. He works with a 10-year-old named Chloe, who has designed 15 murals in three years. Her latest project at the Washington Walls, inspired by the Netflix movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, has generated considerable buzz in the neighborhood.
The project’s impact has rippled throughout Brooklyn.
“It’s spawned all different kinds of projects,” he said. Beler has since expanded Underhill Walls to other open-air galleries, including the Washington Walls and the Bergen Street Walls.
Despite the wall’s success, time and weather have taken their toll.
“After years of exposure to the elements, the original wooden panels are warped and need a full restoration to keep this cultural landmark alive,” Beler said.
Restoration work, led by Calvin Jones Construction, began Oct. 5, with artists returning shortly afterward to refresh the panels for another six months of rotating art. Beler also created a GoFundMe campaign to help with preservation, raising more than $5,000 so far.
The upcoming anniversary block party promises to be a vibrant celebration of art and community.
“There will be DJs, vendors, astrologers, tarot card readers, crystals and vintage clothing,” Beler said. “One of the original artists from 10 years ago is painting, but I’ve got a whole new crew over the last 10 years. I always include one new artist for each installation.”
Beler said the walls serve as accessible art for the community.
“Arts funding is being cut and censorship is everywhere,” he said. “For public art like this, you don’t need a museum. It’s free; it’s for children and everyone.”
The 10-year celebration of Underhill Walls, “What’s Your Sign,” will take place Oct. 18 at 314 Underhill Ave. in Prospect Heights.
